GraceKennedy Foundation, cops give scholarships to kids

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) George Quallo (second right) in discussion with (from left) ACP Ray Palmer; Ferris Ziadie, chairman of the Area Four Police Civic Committee; and Courtney Campbell, CEO of GraceKennedy Financial Group, during the Area Four Police Civic Committee/GraceKennedy Foundation Education Trust Fund Awards Ceremony held last Friday at the Police Officers' Club in St Andrew. - Rudolph Brown/Photographer

Jodi-Ann Gilpin, Gleaner Writer

Almost 100 students have been selected to share $1,440,000 in awards from an education trust fund organised by the Area Four Police Civic Committee in collaboration with the GraceKennedy Foundation.

During the Education Trust Fund Awards Ceremony, held last Friday at the Police Officers' Club in St Andrew, 96 students were provided with scholarships valued around $15,000 each.

Thirteen-year-old Ashley Gray, who is also the winner of this year's 'Peace for Champs' campaign song, was among those students honoured.

Gray, a third-form student at Meadowbrook High School, said she was grateful for the scholarship as it has assisted her immensely.

"It feels very good, and I think more private-sector organisations should come on board in events like these because it (scholarship) does help in alleviating some of the pressure for school," she said.

Similarly, 15-year-old André Palmer of Excelsior High School expressed gratitude for the scholarship and promised to continue working hard.

"This just gives me another push to continue with my education and continue working hard, because you know it can be rough at times with books and everything so I'm really happy," he said. Courtney Campbell, chief executive officer at Grace Financial Group, encouraged persons to do their part to assist the education process as it is an important asset to society.

"We thank those organisations and the different groups who continue to contribute to the development of education," Campbell said. "It is the only avenue for growth in our society and for a bright future for our children."